Aylesbury United v Walthamstow

WELCOME

Good

afternoon and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match against Walthamstow.

A warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Stow. We hope you enjoy the game and have a safe journey home this evening.

The visitors arrive in red hot form, having won 10 of their past 11 games. That streak has propelled them into a play-off place, and few would bet against them finishing in the play-off positions come the end of the season. Their game on Saturday was called off due to the weather, so they havent played a game since a 1-0 victory over Hadley on 4 March. In the previous game in October we suffered a cruel 97th minute 2-1 defeat.

They have also added to their squad this week, signing defender Caoilan McGettigan from Hadley, a team he only joined the month previously.

The Ducks will be looking to build on Saturday's 2-1 win at Kempston Rovers, before another busy fortnight of fixtures.

Our next match is another tough encounter, away against Hadley, another of the division's in-form sides. That's followed by what looks to be a crucial game against Highworth Town. Then we return The Meadow for another rescheduled game against AFC Dunstable, where tickets for the abandoned match will be valid. That's followed by fixtures against Waltham Abbey on Easter Saturday, and then a home fixture against Thame United on Easter Monday.

Come on you Ducks!

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

CHARITY PARTNER

Each season Aylesbury

United partners with a local charity to raise funds through various activities associated with the club.

The election of a Charity Partner for Aylesbury United is organised by the club’s supporters’ trust, 21st Century Ducks. The charity partnership concept began in 2018 so that the club’s charitable giving could be more focused. Since then supporters have raised more than £7,000 for the charities involved.

This season Aylesbury United are supporting Aylesbury Foodbank as our charity partner.

Aylesbury Foodbank doesn’t think that anyone in the community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they

Aylesbury

provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. Aylesbury Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The foodbank’s website provides a list of urgently needed items, as well as a list of food donation points locally where items can be dropped off.

Aylesbury Foodbank was selected by our fans from a shortlist of four at our Emirates FA Cup match against Ardley United in August.

This season’s partnership has already got off to a fantastic start with our charity walk from Aylesbury to Berkhamsted.

On August Bank Holiday Monday, a group of Ducks fans walked 14 miles along the Grand Union canal in

time for the match between the two sides. So far the effort has already raised more than £3,000 for the charity, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Kevin Piper, chair of trustees at Aylesbury Foodbank, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Aylesbury United as their charity partner for this season, and were staggered by the amount of money raised by their sponsored walk to Berkhamsted. Thank you so much, this will help us to feed those in need in Aylesbury. Well done to the team.”

Donations on behalf of the charity are still welcome, just scan the QR code below.

MATCHDAY MASCOT

Do you know someone who would be interested in being a matchday mascot?

Our mascot package includes two adults tickets to a game and two junior tickets to the game. The mascot will receive a tour of the dressing room, meet the players and manager before the game, lead the team out onto the pitch, and an official photograph with the captains and officials before the game. There’ll also be a Ducks goodie bag, and tea, coffee and soft drinks for ther family in the boardroom.

All of this is just £30, or £37.50 with an Aylesbury United scarf.

To book your package, please email Simon Lacey via simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

125 YEARS AGO...

On5 June 1897

representatives from three local clubs – Night School, the Printing Works and Aylesbury Town –gathered in the Rochester Room of the Bell Hotel in Aylesbury to discuss the merger of three local teams into one club.

The motivation was straightforward, that “some really good football might be seen in Aylesbury if only the clubs would amalgamate”. Mr Kyle, who had proposed the idea to meeting chair Mr Elliston, had travelled around Bucks visiting Wycombe and Marlow “and it struck him that these smaller towns had stronger football teams” than Aylesbury. It appeared to him that “something might be done in Aylesbury to unite them as clubs, so that their football teams might be equal to those in other towns in Bucks”. “Certainly in the county town, and the really competent players they had there, they ought to have a team worthy of it,” he added, and “the united club would be a credit to

Also in 1897...

 Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The Invisble Man by HG Wells are published

 Queen Victoria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee

 The Blackwall Tunnel, the longest underwater road tunnel in the world, opens

 The Klondike Gold Rush begins

 JJ Thomson discovers the electron

themselves, the county town, and to Bucks.”

The Reverend AJ Jones went further, saying “the club should not only be a credit to the county, but to all England”. He drew on his experiences in Sunderland – one of the great centres of the game – where children played football in the streets and policemen were unable to stop them because they had the spirit of football within them. The resolution was carried with one in opposition.

It was proposed four teams be created, with different levels of ability, three to play on Saturdays, and two on Thursdays. Because of this, a motion was proposed that two grounds be secured for the purposes of the club.

Membership of the club was set at two shillings and sixpence, two shillings for under 18s, and one shilling for boys under 12. Members of the Printing Works were exempt from the charge to begin with, as they already paid to be members of their institute which paid for their team.

One crucial question remained, which was what should the name of the club be? Mr Kyle proposed the Aylesbury Football Club, which was swiftly amended by AJ Jones to the Aylesbury United Football Club, which was carried by the

majority in attendance.

The club played their first match in a “new dark green kit” against Bowes Park on 25 September that year.

On 28 May 1898, at the club’s first annual meeting, it was reported the first team had played 26, winning 14, and losing 12 – scoring 77 goals, and conceding 60. Mr Kyle, who was now the club’s chairman, was very pleased with the outcome. “The attempt to amalgamate the clubs in the town had been fully justified. If the same progress were to be made next season, he believed would be equal to any club in the county,” he said.

Some 125 years later, we hold the principles set down in that original meeting dear – to have a team the town can be proud of, and that is a credit to Aylesbury throughout the county and country.

Thank you for being part of our history for the past 125 years, and here’s to the next 125 – come on you Ducks!

WHO’S WHO AT THE DUCKS

Board of directors

Chair Graham Read

Vice chairman Ken Turnbull

Club secretary Steve Baker

Fixtures secretary Ian Pluck

Directors Steve Baker, David Brown, Simon Lacey, Andy Martin, Graham Read, Alan Sherwell, Paul Snell, Ken Turnbull

First team coaching staff

Manager Jack Wells

Assistant manager Jordi Mulvany

Coach Ryan Gurton

Goalkeeping coach Jack Sillitoe

Sports therapist Aliyeana Rahim

First team kit Ron Schmidt

GOLD CLUB

Club volunteers

Safety officer Graham Martin

Welfare officer James Byrne

21st Century Ducks chair and matchday

announcer Andy Martin

Photographer Mike Snell

Head of communications Paul Snell

Ownership

Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club

Company number 05814026

Significant interests (shareholder/ shareholding)

Graham Read (49%), 21st Century Ducks (39%)

© Aylesbury United 2023

The club is incredibly grateful to our Gold Club members.

To join the club, head to aylesbury.football/clubinfo/goldclub

Liam Ahern

Dave Blackburn

Dave Brown

Dan Cadwell

Josh Cotton

Lee Cotton

Pete Chilcott

Dan Harvey

Rob Hiscock

Simon Lacey

Richie Livings

Bob Moody

Paul Newman

Peter O’Callghan

Ian Pluck

Steve Woodage

Jim Rayner

Roger Simmons

Greg Smith

Jeff Stewart

Adey White

Steve Woodage

CLUB HISTORY

Aylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge.

The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, has experienced some incredible highs over our 125year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own.

In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to

the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford.

Aylesbury turned semiprofessional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club’s most successful period. A number of events followed which were to help: In 1983 the club appointed Trevor Gould as manager, and then a year later a young local lad called Cliff Hercules made his debut, unaware that he was to become the most successful player in the club’s history. ‘Hercy’ was, and still is, an Aylesbury icon, and some 20-years later he finally hung up his boots having smashed the club records with 669 appearances and scoring 301 goals.

Promotion to the Southern Premier was soon achieved and shortly afterwards the Ducks moved to their new Buckingham Road stadium. This gave the town a new impetus and Gould’s talented squad secured the Southern League in 1987-88 and gained promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only

non-league side ever to take on the full England team, as more than 6000 packed into Buckingham Road to see the Ducks take on the Three Lions. Unfortunately United’s brush with the non-league elite only lasted one season, after which the club were relegated to the Isthmian League.

During the period between 1985 and 1992, Aylesbury boasted the best FA Cup record of any side outside the Football League, reaching at least the First Round Proper every season. The highlights being a victory over then Division Four leaders Southend United, a narrow extra time replay defeat against Northampton Town, and being shown live across Europe against Walsall. Ironically though it wasn’t Gould, the club’s most successful manager, who led the Ducks to their greatest FA Cup achievement, it was his successor Steve Ketteridge in 1994-95. Once again the club became media celebrities as the ‘Duck Walk’ goal celebration was shown around the world, as Aylesbury went on to reach the Third Round where they lost to Premiership side Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Ketteridge delivered the Isthmian League Cup title to Aylesbury, but it was to be the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the club. After almost going out of business, the Ducks were pipped to the Isthmian League title by Sutton United a year later,

despite heading the table for long periods. The following season saw United back in administration and fighting for survival both on and off the pitch.

Despite defeating Football League side Reading in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, for the second time in four seasons, the club was relegated to Division One for the first time in their history. In October 2000, the legendary Hercules took time out from his duties as the club’s Community Development Officer to manage the Ducks, and in his brief spell in charge he secured promotion back to the Isthmian Premier Division and extended the club’s proud FA Cup record with a First Round trip to Port Vale.

2002-03 saw Aylesbury returned to national prominence twice. First the club was privileged to play a major part in an England get together as the Buckingham Road facilities were used by Sven Goran Eriksson for a media conference and by the squad for a training session. Second the club made their first ever appearance in the FA Trophy semi-finals, where the Ducks were beaten by eventual winners Burscough.

For various reasons the club then began to cycle through a string of managers at an average of two a season –namely Chris Boothe, Kevin Wilson, Paul Curtis, Danny Nicholls, Jon Franklin, Tony Thompson and Mark Eaton. But nothing was to match the low point of summer 2006. Former chairman Bill

Carroll failed in his plans to convert the Buckingham Road pitch to a 3G artificial surface, what he described as his ‘last ditch’ idea for creating a viable football club, when the Southern League and FA baulked at his ideas.

Carroll decided to cut ties with the club he had been involved with since 1997, and popular local businessman Graham Read took over the club. But in a cruel twist Aylesbury were left homeless after their lease expired. Since that time Aylesbury have been forced to play their ‘home’ matches some 20 miles out of Aylesbury whilst the committee work hard keeping the club alive. The campaign to ‘Bring the Ducks Home’ has generated plenty of publicity, but so far, sadly, nothing concrete in terms of a new home for the club.

There are still plenty of reasons to remain positive; a glance to our near neighbours Slough Town, who now have definite plans for a new stadium in place to end their own exile, just goes to show that with patience and perseverance it can be done, and Aylesbury United will return to their rightful place eventually.

On the pitch the club

continued to do remarkably well, going close to the play-off positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. This led to another tumultuous season which saw Martin Stone initially appointed as manager, but due to personal reasons he had to renege on his appointment less than two weeks before the first game of the season. His assistant, Byron Walton, briefly stepped into the mantle and did a sterling job in assembling a competitive team in such a short space of time. He moved on and former United defender Tony Joyce became the club’s new permanent

manager. Unfortunately Joyce was unable to prevent the club’s slide – which had seen them amass just one league win by October – and the club were relegated to the Spartan South Midlands League. However, Joyce built a new and strong squad which finished sixth in the league in 2010-11.

Season 2011-12 saw further progression in the league with the Ducks eventually finishing fourth after a strong run of results at the tail end of the season. There was disappointment, however in the cups with the team being out of all cup competitions by mid November.

The 2012-13 season saw the club competing for the title, being in the top four for the entire season. Finally finishing second to Dunstable Town, gaining promotion to the Southern League courtesy of the FA’s restructuring of the feeder leagues and the additional promotional places that created. The season was capped by securing the Spartan League Premier Division Cup, beating Hadley 3-2 after extra time.

The Ducks’ first season back in the Southern league saw them achieve a creditable 12th place finish in a strong division. Other highlights from the season was a much better FA Cup run and notable victories against Southern Premier League opponents Hemel Hempstead, Chesham and Burnham in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and The Red Insure Cup.

The 2014-15 season saw the club finish in 13th place but made the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in 10 years, losing 4-0 to Maidenhead United from the Vanarama Conference South.

After a disappointing start to the 2015-16 season, Tony Joyce tendered his resignation after six years at the club and was replaced by Glyn Creaser who had been coach under Tony. In Glyn’s first full season in charge, he led the club to the semi-final of the Southern League Cup, before losing at Premier Division St Ives. He also guided the team to 13th position in the Central Division.

After two seasons ground sharing at the ASM Stadium in Thame, a decision was made to return to The Meadow, the home of Chesham United for the 2017-18 season. After a disappointing start to the league campaign, manager Glyn Creaser was relieved of his responsibilities following a 6-1 home defeat against Cambridge City in December 2017, with the team lying second from the bottom of the table. His assistant Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager in his place, before being appointed in a full time capacity in January. Ben steadied the ship successfully, integrating a number of new young players and developing a great team spirit, which saw the Ducks rise to 13th in the league, winning nine of their last 13 matches.

2019-20 began in promising fashion, with the Ducks unbeaten in the first nine league games, and winning ties in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Despite a slight dip in form, the Ducks remained in the play-offs before the season was curtailed early and voided due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2020-21 season suffered the same fate, abandoned after just two months. But that was still long enough for the Ducks to suffer heartbreak in the FA Cup, losing a penalty shoot-out to Moneyfields (in a game that had already seen four penalties) – before bouncing back to win on penalties against Tilbury in the FA Trophy.

There were hopes the form from the two cancelled seasons could be maintained, and 2021-22 began well with out best run in the FA Cup for a decade – scoring more goals than eventual winners Liverpool before being knocked out 1-0 by National League South side Ebbsfleet United. Just outside the play-offs at Christmas, the team unfortunately suffered a collapse in form, losing 10 consecutive games before rallying to avoid a relegation scrap, and finishing in 14th place.

This season is the club’s 125th anniversary, and hopefully the team can achieve success to celebrate this significant milestone in the club’s history.

CLUB HONOURS

Spartan League Champions 1908-09

Runner-up 1913-14, 1928-29

Spartan League Division One Champions 1938-39

Runner up 1934-35

Spartan League Western Section Champions 1945-46

Delphian League Champions 1953-54

Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68

Southern League

Division One South

Runner up 1979-80

Southern League

Midlands Division

Runner up 1984-85

Southern League Champions 1987-88

Isthmian League

Runner-up 1998-99

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Runner-up 2012-13

Berks & Bucks

Senior Cup

1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00

Berks & Bucks

Benevolent Cup

1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54

Isthmian League Cup

1994-95

Spartan South Midlands League

Premier Cup

2012-13

FA Cup

First round 1951-52, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, 2001-02

Second round

1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92

Third round

1994-95

FA Trophy

Quarter-finals 1980-81

Semi-finals 2003

SQUAD PROFILES

JOSHUA AMEGANVI

17-year-old goalkeeper signed in September as a back-up for Jack Hopwood. Made his debut in goal for the Ducks against Chesham United in the Berks and Bucks Cup.

GOALKEEPER

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021 after impressing during pre-season.He started his career as a youth player with Luton Town before featuring regularly for Oxford City in the National League South. Spells at Hitchin Town, St Ives Town and Old Bradwell United followed. After four goals in seven games for the Ducks, he attracted the attention of North Leigh and joined the Oxfordshire side in October 2021, but returned to the Ducks in December.

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

ALFIE ATTRILL

Midfielder signed following the resignation of Harlow Town from the league in December 2022. Joined the Hawks in July 2021, and has also previously played for Cheshunt.

ANTHONY BALL

Impressive young right back who can also play in midfield who joined the club at the end of December 2018, ‘Bally’ won Aylesbury FC’s Young Player of the Year award in 2017-18 as he was a regular for town neighbours Aylesbury FC in what was his first season in senior football. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also featured for Winslow United before joining Berkhamsted in the summer on his way to the Ducks.

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

JAKE BEWLEY

Ever reliable left back who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in summer 2014 after a four-year association with the Bedfordshire side, having previously played for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable before that. Jake’s year-on-year improvement culminated in him being named Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, having been named the Most Improved Player in 2015-16, and is now the team’s co-vice captain.

Sponsored by Dave Brown

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

STEPHEN ENOW

19-year-old winger who joined the club in December 2022, and made his debut as a substitute against Harlow Town. Currently on dual registration with Chalfont St Peter.

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

SONNY FRENCH

Talented midfielder and co-vice captain signed for Aylesbury United in March 2015 from town neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2022-23 season is Sonny’s ninth campaign with the Ducks, having now amassed more than 200 games, and was in fine form before the Coronavirus pandemic curtailed the past two seasons – enjoying his most prolific season in 2019-20 with 13 goals to his name.

Sponsored by Allan Brace

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

MARLEY HAMILTON

Attacking midfielder/forward signed in February 2023 from Daventry Town. He also has previous Southern League experience with Kempston Rovers, Wantage Town and Berkhamsted.

FORWARD

ETHAN HOLT

Young striker signed in March 2023 from National League South Hemel Hempstead Town, having previously made two appearances for the Ducks in pre-season.

FORWARD

GOALKEEPER

JACK HOPWOOD

Goalkeeper who joined the club from Tring Athletic in February 2018 and quickly showed his quality by starting his Aylesbury career with an impressive three successive clean sheets. Well known to Ben Williams due after graduating through the Bucks Sports Academy, he played for Chesham United Reserved before going on to make nearly 150 appearances for Tring. Jack left the club in Summer 2021 following his relocation, but returned just over a year later having most recently played for Thatcham Town.

Sponsored by William and Niamh Seeley

TYRIQ HUNTE

Striker returned to the Ducks for a second spell in November 2022 initially on a short-term deal from league rivals AFC Dunstable. Hunte made 17 appearances for the club in his first spell in 2017, scoring six times. Since then he has played for numerous clubs, most recently joining Ware at the start of the 2022-23 season, before joining the ODs in October.

FORWARD

JORDAN JENKINS

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined the Ducks in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC. Jordan was previously captain at Haywood Way, where he made more than 110 appearances having joined from Leighton Town, also playing for Aston Clinton and Winslow United before that. Won the FA Sunday Cup in 201819 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

DEFENDER

HARRY JONES

Versatile player who, having now turned 22, has played more than 150 Aylesbury United games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was billed as a midfielder on joining the club, but spent a lot of the most recent seasons at fullback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward when required. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers prior to joining United.

Sponsored by Jim Rayner

Laces sponsor George Pennington

DAVID LYNN

The 27-year-old left-back joined from Thame United in November 2022, where he made more than 200 appearances since joining the Red Kites in 2015, and won the Manager’s Player of the Season Award in 2018-19. He has also previously played for Dunstable Town, Banbury United, and Chesham United.

DEFENDER

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

JACK MORIARTY

Midfidler joined the squad in September 2022 from Bedford Town, whom he joined in the summer. Prior to signing for the Eagles, he played for Potton United, and before then the 20-year-old spent time with Berkhamsted Raiders, and Kings Langley, whom he joined having moved through the Stevenage academy.

MIDFIELDER

NASHA MUKWADA

Speedy winger joined the Ducks in summer 2022 from Rushden and Diamonds Under 23 squad, for whom he made 14 appearances, scoring five goals last season.

FORWARD

JAIME OBAMA

Made his debut as a substitute against Didcot Town in February 2023, and is a forward who has most recently played for Arlesey Town. His previous clubs also include Thatcham Town, as well as the Spanish sides AD Seseña, SAD Cenafe and CD Coslada.

FORWARD

DAVID PITT

Pitt joined the Ducks on dual registration from Ashford Town (Mx) in January. The 31-year-old began his career as an apprentice at Brentford, and has plenty of non-league experience – most recently playing for Staines Town, Broadfields United, Stratford Town, and Chalfont St Peter. He is also a dual international, having played two games for Jamaica under-18s, before switching allegiance and winning two full caps for St Vincent and the Grenadines during 2018 World Cup Qualifying.

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

MARK RIDDICK

Defensive midfielder who joined United in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic, having previously played for London Colney and Chesham United’s reserve team before that. Enjoyed an excellent debut season and was rewarded with Supporters’ Player of the Year award, and followed that with the Player’s Player of the Year trophy last season.

Sponsored by Andy Martin

Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

BEN SEATON

Attacking midfielder who brought his fine technical abilities to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player award. Previously with Tring Athletic, he proved a valuable addition to the squad with his ever-improving displays and, still at a young age, has bags of potential to develop further. Won the inaugural Goal of the Season award in 2022 for his astonishing strike against Kempston Rovers.

Sponsored by The Harvey Family

MIDFIELDER

Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

LEE STOBBS

Experienced and versatile player, Lee Stobbs joined Aylesbury from Berkhamsted in July 2020 to link up with a number of his former Tring Athletic teammates currently with the Ducks. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, he has also featured for the likes AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. The club’s first summer signing of 2020.

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

JACK WOOD

Long-serving club captain initially joined the club on loan from Luton Town in March 2010, before making the move permanent the following summer. A 17-time end of season award winner, Jack passed 500 appearances for the Ducks last season to go second on the all-time list behind Cliff Hercules, and continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere.

Sponsored by Rich Lloyd

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Ava Pinches

MANAGER

JACK WELLS

Appointed as manager in October 2022, and joined the club from North Leigh where he has been working as a first team coach, and has also previously held coaching roles at Wantage Town, Stratford Town and Redditch United. He has a record of working with and developing young players, having also worked as a coach in the academy at Northampton Town, as head of female football and ladies team manager at Oxford City, and with Wycombe Wanderers. The 31-year-old is currently working toward his UEFA B licence, and also holds a diploma in sports management.

JORDI MULVANY

Jordi had stints as a player at Didcot Town, North Leigh, Oxford City Nomads and Clanfield 85, before injuries curtailed his playing career. Joined the club when Jack Wells was appointed manager in November 2022.

RYAN GURTON

Joined the club in January 2023 as coach to support Jack Wells.

COACH

GK COACH

THERAPIST

JACK SILLITOE

Long-serving and hugely popular goalkeeper who played for the Ducks for 11 years and made 320 appearances for the club, having made his debut in 2007 as emergency cover having come through the club’s youth team. A popular figure among supporters and teammates, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2010, Players’ Player of the Year in 2012 and received the Clubman of the Year award in 2016. A broken metatarsal put an end to his Ducks career between the sticks in 2018, but returned to the club as goalkeeping coach in December 2022.

ALYIEANA RAHIM

Alyieana is in her final year at Bucks New University studying for a sports therapy degree, and already holds a number of other sports therapy qualifications. She is also a former gymnast and has represented England.

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

AST MANAGER

OPPOSITION HISTORY

The history of our great club is not what you’d call straightforward. Having reformed on at least three occasions, we’ve played under seven different names, but can lay claim to being the second-oldest club in London, and one of the oldest in the country.

The initial Leyton FC was formed in 1868 when The Reverent Morgan Lloyd obtained a pitch behind The Lion & Key public house. The first Leyton played mainly friendlies, but did take part in the FA Cup, before folding in 1880 when they lost their ground.

Seven years later, the members of Matlock Cricket Club, based on Hoe Street established a football club named after the Matlock Villas, which

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

1868

NICKNAME

The Stow

CLUB COLOURS

Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks

HOME GROUND

Wadham Lodge, Walthamstow

MANAGER

Nick Ironton

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

22 October 2022 L 2-1

8 September 2019 L 0-3

overlooked the club’s pitch. In 1894, Swifts moved out of Leyton, to a new ground in Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow. This lasted just a season though, as the club moved back to Leyton and changed their name to Leyton FC in the process.

The club won the Essex Senior Cup on no fewer than five occasions, and the London Senior Cup, as well as the South Essex League four times.

Leyton turned professional in 1904, joining the London League. The following year, Leyton moved to Osborne Road, which would later become Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road.

In April 1912 a loan by a donor was called-in, and without any hope of paying it, the club disbanded for a second time.

Only a year later a third Leyton was formed, but this incarnation was extremely short-lived. The outbreak of war meant there was essentially no one to watch or play for the club, and it was suspended.

The fourth Leyton was established in 1919, and it would be arguably the most successful period for the club, now back at the Hare and Hounds.

Leyton won the FA Amateur Cup (now FA Trophy) twice, and

were runnersup on four more occasions. They also reached the first round of the FA Cup four times and the second round three times.

After a successful 1950s and 60s, things dried up for Leyton, and by the 1970s they could not carry on, so a merger was completed with Wingate from north London.

The pinnacle of this club was winning the Athenian League in 1982, but by the early 90s with most of the former ‘Wingate’ committee now either deceased or having had left, the newlymerged Wingate & Finchley requested Leyton drop the ‘Wingate’ title from their name.

By 1995, the Hare & Hounds was really beginning to show its age, and with Leyton not having the funds to bring it up to standard, a merger was completed with Walthamstow Pennant, with the new club being Leyton Pennant and playing at Wadham Lodge.

This club spent most of its life in Divisions One and Two of the Isthmian League, with no notable success, save for two London Challenge Cup final appearances. Its first season in 1995 saw the club finish 4th in Division One, but it was mostly mid-table obscurity after that.

In 2003 the club changed names to Waltham Forest

and were bankrolled heavily with aspirations of playing in the Football League. Sadly, these never came to fruition and an Essex Senior Cup was the only thing to show for it.

Disputes with the thenmanagement at Wadham Lodge in 2008 saw the club exiled for five seasons, playing in Ilford. The first season back at Wadham Lodge, in 2013 ended in relegation to the Essex Senior League for the first time in the club’s history.

In 2018, the club changed names once more to Walthamstow FC. This kickstarted the club and saw the highest attendances in many years, and a third-placed finish in the Essex Senior League, the club’s highest finish since the 1980s.

After two seasons cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic, Stow finally secured promotion from step five by winning the Essex Senior League title. It was the club’s first league win for 37 years, and coupled with three strong FA Cup performances, the future looks bright in E17.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Brad Robinson

A somewhat familiar face around these parts, having spent the pre-season months of the 2020-21 campaign here, before making a deadlineday switch to Ware, who he helped reach the playoffs. Has previously been with St Margaretsbury and Cockfosters, where he was considered amongst the best step five keepers in the country.

Kai Davis

Hard-working right or left back who signed from Hanwell Town, and has immediately become a fans’ favourite.

Carl Mensah

Commanding centre-back who had previously played with Nicky Ironton at Welwyn Garden City. He had four spells at the Citizens as well as spells with Bedford Town, Colney Heath and Tring Athletic amongst others. Spent last season and the start of this one at Royston Town.

Richard Platt

A full-back with plenty of Southern League experience, having turned out for Banbury United (twice), North Leigh, Kings Langley, Bedford Town, Gloucester City, Chesham United, Bedworth United and Stratford Town.

Te Wihongi

New Zealand international with eight caps who joined in Autumn 2022. Has already impressed with his composure and physical presence at the back.

Demaray Anyadike

Youngster who came through the ranks at Southend United. Scored on his full debut away to Welwyn Garden city on the first day of the season, and has really impressed as the season has gone on.

Danny Green

Experienced midfielder who joined from Royston Town. Has just made a return from injury, and brings plenty of combativity to the centre of the park.

Jack Green

Full back or wide midfielder who kicked off his career at St. Albans City in 2014, making 38 appearances for the National League South outfit. Green spent the 2016-17 season playing for Dunstable Town, moving to Hitchin a year later. A tenacious player and great in the air, who spent six seasons at Hitchin, where he was a real fans’ favourite.

George Ironton

The 26-year-old midfielder joins Stow from Southern Premier Division Central side Royston Town, where he had been since July 2022. He had re-joined Welwyn Garden City in June 2019 having just missed out on promotion from the Spartan South Midlands League in 2018/19 with Tring Athletic. He went back to the Citizens work for his father having previously been him at Arlesey Town and Ware, and has also turned out for Cockfosters and Hitchin Town.

Bilal Sayoud

Tricky playmaker who joined from Enfield Town. Spent time as a youngster at Coventry City and has also played for Potters Bar Town and Wingate & Finchley.

Fabion Simms

Joined from Harlow Town, and can play as a midfielder or defender. A Harlow player of the year, the vastlyexperienced Simms has also played for Potters Bar, Cheshunt and Waltham Abbey.

Jared Small

A vastly-experienced forward player who joins from Harlow Town. He has played for Tonbridge Angels, where he gained promotion to the National League South, as well as Brentwood and Enfield Town.

Kieran Turner

An old-fashioned box-to-box midfielder who signed from Leighton Town. Made an immediate with his ability to change a game.

Mekhi Charles-Armstrong

Electric young forward who has impressed with the under 18s and reserves to make the step up to the first team.

Duncan Culley

Experienced forward who has played extensively in the upper reaches of the non-league system. The prolific front-man signed from Hanworth Villa and also had spells recently with Royston Town and Bracknell Town. He began his non-league career playing for Shortwood, where he caught the eye of Bromley.

He spent much of his career in the upper reaches of the non-league pyramid, playing for Farnborough, Hampton & Richmond and Hayes & Yeading, amongst others. Scored his first goal for the club from the spot against Kempston Rovers.

Callum Ibe

Now in his third spell with the club, Callum can play anywhere across the forward line, and has become a real fans favourite thanks to his work rate and never-say-die attitude. Scored some vital goals on our way to the title last season, and recently made his 100th appearance for Stow.

Jordan Watson

30-year-old forward who had re-joined rivals Welwyn Garden City in August 2021 from another league rival, Ware, and then re-joined the latter in the summer of 2022, having made the same journey in December 2019. He originally joined Ware from Aveley in February 2018, although he had also played for local rivals Hertford Town as well as FC Broxbourne Borough, Redbridge, Hadley and Hoddesdon Town.

Nicky Ironton, manager

Joined the club in September 2022. Spent the last three seasons with Welwyn Garden City, having lead them to the play-off places last season, and on course to do the same in the Covid-affected 2019-20 season. Prior to that, he has managed at Ware, and had two spells at Arlesey Town, where he oversaw three successive Isthmian League promotions. He also took

the Bedfordshire side to the first round of the FA Cup and had an excellent run in the FA Vase. This will in fact be Nicky’s second spell with the club, having played for us during the 1990-91 season. As a player, he did all there was to do in non-league; playing for the England semiprofessional side, winning the Football Conference three times, as well as two FA Trophies.

Ricci Crace, assistant manager

Vastly experienced as a player, Ricci had long spells at Hendon and Enfield Town, where he was among their top scorers.

David Bastian, coach

Returns to the club where he made almost 100 appearances as a player. Has had spells at Enfield Town, Ware and Wivenhoe Town, amongst others.

Ed Thompson, coach

Experienced goalkeeping coach who played for Harlow Town, Wingate & Finchley and Dagenham & Redbridge.

Lucelta Eugene, physiotherapist

A stalwart of the changing room who has been with us since 2009. A calming presence and someone who brings great knowledge and experience to the role.

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES

O’Connor Rudd

Mukwada Townsend Jones French McElroy Moriarty Riddick Stobbs Jenkins Ameganvi

Townsend McElroy ⚽ Moriarty Anderson French Riddick Jones Jenkins Mukwada

Moriarty McElroy ⚽⚽⚽ French ⚽⚽ Mukwada Jenkins McNamara

Moriarty McElroy French Mukwada Jenkins Joyce McNamara

Mukwada Moriarty Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Bayliss Joyce Shawwal McNamara

Mukwada Williams Aluko-Olukun �� Moriarty Stobbs French Jenkins Fernandes Shawwal Townsend Mukwada

Seaton Aluko-Olukun ⚽

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe Hunte ⚽

Stokoe Hunte ��

Stokoe Hunte

Mukwada �� Riddick �� Pitt

Seaton Hunte

Moriarty Hunte

Moriarty Seaton

Seaton Holt

Moriarty Hunte ⚽

Moriarty Hunte

Boateng Ishmael Bewley Lynn Stokoe French Mukwada

French Ishmael Jenkins Seaton Attrill Boateng Mukwada

French Mukwada Jenkins Boateng Seaton Attrill Clifford

French ⚽ Mukwada Aluko-Olukun

Jenkins Seaton Riddick McElroy

Seaton Pitt Anthonio-Forde McElroy Fernandes Mukwada Enow

French Anthonio-Forde Seaton Enow Riddick Mukwada

French Enow Anthonio-Forde Stobbs Seaton Hunte Stokoe ��

French Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Mukwada Stokoe �� Moriarty Stobbs Enow

Seaton Anthonio-Forde Jenkins

French Anthonio-Forde Jones

French ⚽ Jones Enow Pitt

Hunte Mukwada

French Anthonio-Forde Lynn Hunte ⚽ Mukwada Stobbs

Seaton Pitt Anthonio-Forde

Seaton Holt ⚽

Anthonio-Forde

Jenkins French Stobbs Obama ��

Jenkins French Obama Hamilton

DUCKS IN ACTION

DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR HAS NO PLACE IN OUR GAME.

FOOTBALL HAS COME TOGETHER TO TOUGHEN MEASURES ADDRESSING FAN BEHAVIOUR AT MATCHES

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR:

Entering the pitch without permission

Smoke bombs and pyros

Throwing objects

Drug use

Discriminatory behaviour

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES:

Serious injury

Automatic club ban

Reported to the police

Criminal record

Education and employment at risk

HELP US ENSURE MATCHES ARE SAFE AND ENJOYABLE FOR ALL LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME.

STADIUM SAFETY

Aylesbury United want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football, and the National League System (NLS), to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We are supporting strong action from the FA, and across the NLS to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

Please remember the following activities are illegal, dangerous, have serious consequences and have no place in our game:

 Carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros

 Invading the pitch or

entering the pitch without permission

 Throwing objects onto the pitch

 Drug use within the football ground

 Discriminatory behaviour

For everyone’s safety, we will report anyone carrying out these offences to the police, which can result in a criminal record.

Anyone who enters the pitch without permission and those carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros will now receive an automatic club ban. These measures could also now apply to the parents or guardians of children involved in these activities.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause life-changing injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

It also impacts the hard working volunteers, who ensure that our special part of the game continues to run.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. Please work with us to call out the risks.

Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground at any time.

www.oliverlacey.com

Simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and Southern League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new online Volunteer Hub where you can find opportunities and contact your local football club.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

LEAGUE TABLE AND RESULTS

March

TODAY’S TEAMS

AYLESBURY UNITED

MANAGER: Jack WELLS

Jack HOPWOOD

Anthony BALL

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

David LYNN

Mark RIDDICK

Harry JONES

Jack MORIARTY

Ben SEATON

Tyriq HUNTE

Ethan HOLT

Ezra ANTHONIO-FORDE

Jordan JENKINS

Sonny FRENCH

Marley HAMILTON

Jaime OBAMA

WALTHAMSTOW

MANAGER: Nick IRONTON

Bradley ROBINSON

Jack GREEN

Kai DAVIS

Danny GREEN

Carl MENSAH

Te WIHONGI

Demaray ANYADIKE

Kieran TURNER

Jared SMALL

Jordan WATSON

Bilal SAYOUD

Alexander HARRIS

Percival WINTER

Fabion SIMMS

Alieu NJIE

Tamas AMGBADUBA

REFEREE

Thomas WHAY ASSISTANT REFEREES

Adedotun ADEYEMI & Joshua EVANS

NEXT MATCH HADLEY

TUESDAY 28 MARCH, HADLEY